Madurese Language and Culture

Title:	Madurese Language and Culture
Category:	Madurese
Clicks:	3
Listing added:	Apr 17, 2007
PageRank:	0/10

While other ethnic groups have assimilated into Indonesian society, the Madurese remain a culturally distinct society.The third largest ethnic group in Indonesia, the Madurese are staunchly resistant to change and outside influence. Over the centuries, they have shown their ability to adjust to any outside influence and maintain their specific identity.The majority of the Madurese (nine million) live on Java near the island of Madura, with four million still inhabiting Madura.Madurese tend to be short, have dark-brown skin, curly hair and are rough in appearance.

Family is important to the Madurese. Working as farmers or fishermen, they live in villages that function around a religious center.Islam is an integral part of the social, political and economic life of these people.Although the Madurese people are orthodox Sunni Muslims in many ways, there is much folk Islam which focuses on seeking protection in life through the magic of either appeasing or controlling good and bad spirits. They have a strong belief in spirits, the use of amulets, black and white magic and the worship of ancestors.